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The internet plays a major role in our everyday lives and home inspectors must have an online presence. When today’s consumers need something done, they go straight to Google and look at the first few results. Being in this business without a web site is like going to an inspection without a flash light. You’re missing something crucial! Buying a domain name and creating a simple website is easier than you think. Hosting companies such as GoDaddy, Network Solutions, and HostGator all offer domains and easy to customize templates that make building a website simple. It is almost as easy as typing a Word document. With GoDaddy for example, you can buy a domain name for just $12 and then pay a small monthly fee of $5 for them to host it. If an inspector is too busy or not comfortable with computers, there are many companies that specialize in creating websites for businesses.

Every website should have contact information, information about the inspector, the services they provide, a sample inspection report, and any relevant information about the business. It is important to have a quality website with good content so that the site will have a good ranking with search engines. To do this, inspectors should take time to add quality content to their site. Writing informative articles about home inspections, as well as including photos and videos is a great place to start. A home inspector should also use search engine optimization (SEO) tools to increase the visibility of the website with search engines. It is important to focus on keywords and phrases, such as your city and home inspection or home inspector. The term “home inspection” is so broad, an inspector is better off focusing their efforts on ranking high for the city or area where they conduct home inspections. For example, a home inspector in Cincinnati would have more success ranking higher for the term “Cincinnati home inspection” or a smaller town within Cincinnati such as Fairfield of Finneytown then they would “home inspection”.

Get Involved With Social Media

There are many social media outlets, but the main sites are Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. These sites are great for personal use, but also provide an incredible opportunity to connect with current and future clients. Many well-known companies are using social media today because they see the value in it. It provides them with the ability to be in constant contact with their clients. Social media is becoming so popular, that businesses can no longer afford not to be involved. If they don’t jump on board, they are going to be left behind by their competition. The best thing about all of the sites mentioned here is that they are all free to join.

Create Professional Reports

Professional looking reports created with home inspection software can separate a home inspector from their competition and lead to new referrals. Home inspection reports are passed around by potential home buyers, realtors, and past customers with each report having the inspector’s name and company right on the cover. It is important that the report leaves a great impression on whoever sees it because that can lead to a referral for the inspector. A year or two after the home inspection, the report itself may be all the client has or remembers from the inspection. This is why a professional looking report is so valuable to a home inspector.

The above three suggestions are a great way for a home inspector to grow their business. A company website that provides quality content is crucial in today’s world and a must for any business. Once the website is up and running, inspectors need to join the social media phenomenon. Social media provides a great opportunity to connect with customers for free. Lastly, an inspector should not underestimate the importance of a professional looking report. An inspection report is a direct reflection of the inspector and can be a great tool to gain referrals. If a home inspector takes advantage of these opportunities, they will put themselves in a position to grow their business and ultimately making more money.

Home inspection is an integral part of real estate investment. If you are considering buying a property, you should hire home inspection service. Most people do not realize how important it is to find a home inspector, whether you are selling your house or buying a new one. Bluntly, some inspectors are less credible when it comes to their background and qualifications. In order to find a home inspector that suits your liking and preferences, the following should be considered as a resource:

The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) – Most legitimate businesses in San Diego and the rest of California are members of CREIA. If you ask reputable real estate brokerages, most of them require their agents to work with members of this association. As with most states, a particular member of an association cannot advertise its connection with a particular group until this member has reached the strict minimum standards of a practicing member. CREIA has developed Standards of Practice that define the minimum scope of a home inspection. It also has a Code of Ethics that requires its members to exhibit the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, dedication, and good faith in any dealings with the client. By doing these, associations like CREIA ensures clients that they are dealing with a reputable and reliable home inspection service provider.

Another surefire way of finding a qualified inspector for your home is by asking for opinions and feedback. Talk to friends who have had inspection services recently. How satisfied are they to the services of the inspector? Did their inspector do a great job? You can also ask them the processes that they went through in finding the house inspector for their residence.

If you have a trusted real estate agent, ask for some recommendations. Agents deal with house inspections everyday. They often have first-hand experience on how home inspectors work and they surely know who the good inspectors are. However, take care not to immediately get the services of your real estate agent, unless you completely trust him. Usually, agents recommend the ones who will help them get the deal that they want. Ask the agent at least three references and then use these names as a starting point in your search for a home inspector.

If you do not know friends who have had a home inspection service or an agent who can give referrals, you may utilize the yellow pages to find a home inspector. If you live in San Diego, search for local names first before moving on the companies in other states. Try searching online yellow pages because they have feedback pages where you can check out what other people are saying about a particular service provider.

Before you finally hire the services of the home inspector, remember to check out the home inspector of your choice. Secure copies of their previous inspection reports to determine how thorough they are when it comes to home inspection. Ask about their record of accomplishment. Ask for the names of their specific clients and if possible, try calling a few of their previous clients to find out if the home inspection service did a good job with them. It will not hurt to ask so that you are sure that what you would be paying is worth your money.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s a good idea to find a home inspector to do a pre-listing home inspection. Once you’ve made that decision, you need to find a good home inspector to help you out. It’s not enough just to find a “good” home inspector, you need to find one that is great. Here are a few suggestions to help you out.

First, finding a great home inspector is similar to finding other reputable real estate professionals. Ask for a referral from your real estate agent and friends. Ask them who they would recommend. Ask friends, relatives, or colleagues who they have used in the past and if they had a good experience.

Next, check out the inspectors that you find online. You can start with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ashi.org). This is a non-profit group that screens home inspectors. To join, an inspector has to pass 2 home inspection exams and would have to have completed at least 50 home inspections. ASHI’s website allows you to enter your zip code to find a qualified inspector in your area.

Make a list of qualified inspectors in your area and the next thing to do is to call them. Call each one of the inspectors to find out how they conduct their inspections, what’s covered, how much they charge, and how long the inspection will take. These things are important.

A thorough inspection of a moderately sized property should take at least two hours. The inspection of the house should cover the complete interior of the house from basement to attic and include the exterior of the house. You want to make sure that you accompany the inspector during this inspection.

Check the credentials of your inspector. Make sure that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask if they are a member of a professional group such as ASHI and ask them how much experience they actually have. Make sure that they are in compliance with all state laws, regulations, and procedures.

Pay attention to the inspector’s phone manner. Is he good on the phone? Is he courteous on the phone or does it seem like he is eager to get you off the phone? If he is rushing you, beware! He might just rush through your inspection.

Also, ask them about their home inspection reports. What kind of report is the inspector going to provide you at the end of the inspection? Does this report include photographs of potential problems? It should!

Last of all, ask the home inspector for at least three references and make sure you call these references. You want to make sure that others have had a good experience. Ask these references if they would use that home inspector again in the future.

Finding a good home inspector is important when you are getting ready to sell your home. But, it’s not that much harder to find a really great one. I hope these tips will help you find a great home inspector and good luck on selling your home!